Technology

MAKING SENSE OF A CROWDED MARKET…

The market for healthcare tracking technologies is crowded and confusing. Manufacturers utilize multiple technologies, sometimes in combination, to achieve a range of functions aimed at solving a range of problems. At VIZZIA, we take pride in our ability to select and deploy the most sensible technologies for each application required by our hospital customers. These technologies fall into three categories: real-time location systems (RTLS), passive RFID and software.

EXPERTS IN RTLS

Choosing a real-time location system (RTLS) requires an intimate knowledge of the array of products available. At VIZZIA, not only are we are fluent in the intricacies of the RTLS marketplace, but we are also “technology agnostic.” That is, we partner with different manufacturers and utilize a variety of technology products. That way we can provide our customers with the solution that best meets their needs.

All RTLS systems rely on some form of wireless electromagnetic radiation to transmit location and asset-identification information to network devices. The two most common forms of electromagnetic radiation are radio frequency identification (RFID) and Wi-Fi.

RTLS has enjoyed a steady growth in popularity within the healthcare industry since its introduction more than a decade ago — in large part due to its “real-time” tracking capabilities. By constantly tracking the location of assets and people as they move through the facility, hospital managers can gather valuable data with which to evaluate and adjust processes and thereby elevate efficiency. RTLS systems utilize various technologies…

PASSIVE RFID

LOW COST, LARGE RETURN

A passive RFID tracking system can provide substantial ROI at a fraction of the cost of an RTLS system. While RTLS systems track movement in real time, passive systems require manual scanning of tags. Though not ideal for E.D. workflow improvement, surgical services or hand-hygiene compliance, VIZZIA’s passive systems are ideal for the tracking and management of moveable medical equipment. There are several different types of passive systems, each of which functions differently. Contact us to learn more about passive RFID solutions.

Active RFID

When deployed alone, an active RFID infrastructure can deliver location accuracy within several feet. RF transmitters are installed at various locations throughout the hospital and communicate with RFID tags attached to assets, staff badges and/or patient identifiers.

Both RFID and Wi-Fi rays penetrate walls. Therefore, an icon on a map may show up in room 455, for example, but with a several-foot margin of error, that tagged item could actually be next door in room 456. In order to enhance the value of our RTLS solutions offerings, VIZZIA also deploys “hybrid” systems that combine infrared or ultrasound technology with RFID or Wi-Fi.

INFRARED(IR)

Infrared light is bound by walls, allowing for “positive room identification.” Achieve room-level — and even bed-level — visibility by deploying a system with Infrared capabilities. Must be combined with an RFID or WiFi infrastructure in order to transmit information to the server.

Ultrasound

Like infrared light, ultrasound waves are bound by walls. Several manufacturers offer ultrasound tracking systems — either in combination with RFID or as an add-on to a facility’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.

These combination systems add substantial value to RTLS. VIZZIA partners with several companies that offer various combinations of RFID, Wi-Fi, Infrared and Ultrasound.

Hybrid Solutions

Is your healthcare organization interested in tracking hand-hygiene compliance or patient/clinician interactions? A combined solution might be right for you.

VIZZION℠ : INDUSTRY-LEADING SOFTWARE

VIZZIA’s software engine, VIZZION℠, contains a powerful rules engine, broad reporting functionality and a user-friendly map feature. This dynamic platform can be customized to incorporate any combination of VIZZIA solutions.

Asset Management

Interactive map feature displays location of each asset in the hospital

Alerts sent via e-mail or SMS text inform staffers when an asset has left the facility or when it has left its designated department.

Search function allows users to search for specific assets, assets located within a specific department, clean or soiled assets, assets currently on the move, assets that are due for preventive maintenance, etc.

Users can generate reports to view equipment utilization rates and other data.

Software rules engine and software itself are easy to configure.

Temperature Monitoring

Interactive map feature displays location of each unit and whether or not it is within range

Alerts sent via e-mail or SMS text inform staffers when a unit has strayed from the desired temperature for a certain period of time.

Users can generate reports to view temperature graphs, non-compliance events and other data.

Software automates compliance reporting to government agencies, such as JCAHO and the FDA.

Software rules engine and software itself are easy to configure.

Hand-Hygiene Compliance

Interactive map feature displays location of each tagged staffer and soap/gel dispenser throughout the hospital